"So I do; but, Master Auchester, it is getting very late,--you must go, unless I may give you some tea. And your mother would like you to be home. Therefore, go now." I wanted to shake hands with her, but she made no show of willingness, so I did not dare, and instantly I departed. What a wonderful spell it was that bound me to the dull lane at the end of the town! Certainly it is out of English life in England one must go for the mysteries and realities of existence. I was just in time for our tea. As I walked into the parlor the fire shone, and so did the kettle, singing to itself; for in our English life we eschewed urns. Clo was reading, Lydia at the board, Millicent was cutting great slices of homemade bread. I thought to myself, "How differently we all manage here! If Millicent did but dare, I know she would behave and talk like Miss Benette." "How is the young lady this afternoon, Charles? I wish you to ask her to come and drink tea with us on Sunday after service." "Yes, mother; is Mr. Davy coming?" "He promised the other night." "And Charles," added Clo, "do not forget that you must go with me to-morrow and be measured for a jacket." "I am to wear one at last, then?" "Yes, for now you are really growing too tall for frocks." I was very glad; for I abjured those braided garments, compassing about my very heels with bondage, with utter satisfaction. Still, I was amused. "I suppose it is for this party I am going to," thought I. FOOTNOTE: [10] Music and Medicine. CHAPTER XVIII. The next day at class, Laura's place still being empty, I watched eagerly for Clara. The people were pouring in at the door, and I, knowing their faces, could not but feel how unlike she was to them all, when in the way she appeared, so bright in her dark dress, with her cloudless forehead and air of ecstatic innocence. She spoke to me to-day. "How are you?" "Quite well; and you, Miss Benette? But I want you to listen to me presently; seriously, I have something to say." "I'll wait," and she took her seat. Davy extolled our anthem, and did not stop us once, which fact was unprecedented. We all applauded _him_ when he praised _us_, at which he laughed, but was evidently much pleased. In fact, he had already made for himself a name and fame in the town, and the antagonistic jealousy of the resident professors could not cope therewith, without being worsted; they had given him up, and now let him alone,--thus his sensitive nature was less attacked, and his energy had livelier play. When the class divided, Miss Benette looked round at me: "I am at your service, Master Auchester." I gave her my mother's message. She was sweet and calm as ever, but still grave, and she said, "I am very grateful to your mother, and to those young ladies your sisters; but I never do go anywhere out to tea." "But, Miss Benette, you are going to that party at the Redferns'."